More Dog Owners are Running Obstacle Courses with Pets as Participation Surges Worldwide

Obstacle course racing with dogs is rapidly growing worldwide, with new participation data from the United States, Europe, and the UK showing significant increases in competitors and first-time participants across multiple events.

New data collected by Non-stop dogwear, a brand specialising in gear for active dogs and their owners, from leading obstacle racing organizers shows participation in some events has almost doubled in the last two years, as increasing numbers of dog owners discover the sport as a fun and active way to spend time with their dogs.

In the United States, participation in the One World Canine Obstacle Run, a U.S.-based obstacle course racing series for dogs and their owners, spring event saw an increase of 90% between 2024 and 2026, growing from 623 participants to 1,172 participants.

The event has also expanded its national reach, now attracting competitors from up to 46 U.S. states. Approximately 70% of participants are female, with competitors ranging from 8 to 78 years old, highlighting the sport’s broad accessibility and appeal across generations.

Similar trends are also being seen across Europe, with organizer StrongDog and Muddy Paws both reporting strong participation growth and rising numbers of first-time competitors.

In Germany, StrongDog recorded a 51% increase in participation between 2024 and 2025, growing from approximately 3,800 participants to 5,720 participants. The event organizers have already sold 4,500 tickets halfway through the 2026 season, with several events still remaining, pointing toward continued growth this year.

According to StrongDog, between 30% and 50% of participants at each event are first-timers, showing that increasing numbers of everyday dog owners are discovering the sport for the first time.

Similar growth is also being seen in Sweden. Dog obstacle racing organizer, Muddy Paws, increased participation capacity by 67%, growing from approximately 1,200 participants at its two-day event in 2023 to around 2,000 participants in 2026. To meet growing demand, the organizers expanded the event from two days to three days in 2026.

Felicia Mix, Co-founder, Muddy Paws said: “At Muddy Paws, we see this sport as truly for everyone. From elite athletes chasing podium finishes to absolute beginners who simply want to do something fun with their dog. Growing from a sold-out event of around 1,200 participants in 2023 to 2,000 across three days in 2026 tells us that more and more people are discovering this together with their dogs and that inspires us every single day. Our biggest reward isn’t the finish line itself but knowing that people go home and live more active lives with their dogs.”

In the UK, obstacle racing event organizer, Ultimutt, has also seen strong recent growth, with participation increasing by 68% from 110 competitors in 2024 to 185 competitors in 2025. The 2026 season is still open for bookings, with the organizers expecting the event to sell out.

Ultimutt reports that approximately 75% of participants are female, with the largest age groups between 30 and 49 years old, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal among active adult dog owners looking for new outdoor experiences with their dogs.

Organizers across multiple regions also report increasing diversity in participants and dogs, with more women taking part and a wider range of dog breeds competing than in previous years.

The growth reflects a broader trend toward active lifestyles with dogs, where owners are increasingly seeking shared outdoor experiences, fitness activities, and training that focuses on cooperation and communication together.

“I’d never really thought of myself as someone who’d get into dog sports, but obstacle racing just looked like a lot of fun. Now it’s one of my favourite things to do with my dog because we’re getting outside, trying something new, having fun together at the same time,” said Caroline Lewington, 44, a participant from Hampshire, England.

Non-stop dogwear has also observed growing interest in obstacle racing and active dog sports, alongside increasing demand for training, education, and equipment designed specifically for the activity.

To support more dog owners entering the sport, Non-stop dogwear is launching a free five-week online obstacle course racing program designed to help beginners get started safely and confidently with their dogs.

The course covers foundational obstacle skills, safe progression, and practical techniques to improve communication, teamwork, and confidence between dog and owner.

“With more people discovering obstacle racing for the first time, we want to make it easier for dog owners to start safely, build confidence, and enjoy training together with their dogs,” said Tonje Wahl Evenson, CEO at Non-stop dogwear.

For more information about obstacle course racing with dogs and how to get started, visit First steps in obstacle racing – Free online course from Non-stop dogwear.